A unit of DNA and Genetics should be based on DNA structure, function, replication, and translation. It would then build upon that foundational knowledge by applying the previous concepts to the study of mutations and the basis for genetic disorders. DNA and its associated concepts are integral to the study of biology in the 21st century. New genomic technology and research is ushering in an era where people can have their genome sequenced and used to analyze for possible medical treatment. Genetically engineered food has already been a reality for decades. Synthesized medication through recombinant DNA was foundational to the field of genetics. All students must be knowledgable on the subject because of the increased societal focus, controversial applications, and emerging industries involving DNA.
In order to familiarize the shape and structure of DNA, students could create various types of models (clay, pipe cleaner, etc) and then identify the molecular components. Pictures and videos of molecular processes would promote interest and inquiry in the topic. Sending and receiving messages in a codon-encoded language would provide students an experience that would associate the sequence of DNA and translation to the crafting of words in an overall message. Making typos in the same activity would demonstrate the effects mutations have on proteins (effect words have on messages). For example, changing "there" to "their" would result in negligible change in the overall message of a sentence, but changing "there" to "here" could change a sentence entirely (either by producing a new meaning, like an alternative amino acid, or by making a nonsensical meaning, like an improperly folded protein being produced). Students could also research novel technology and techniques that are being used to further study and apply genetic information in fields such as medicine and engineering.
GSE LS1 (9-11)-2
A unit of DNA and Genetics should be based on DNA structure, function, replication, and translation. It would then build upon that foundational knowledge by applying the previous concepts to the study of mutations and the basis for genetic disorders. DNA and its associated concepts are integral to the study of biology in the 21st century. New genomic technology and research is ushering in an era where people can have their genome sequenced and used to analyze for possible medical treatment. Genetically engineered food has already been a reality for decades. Synthesized medication through recombinant DNA was foundational to the field of genetics. All students must be knowledgable on the subject because of the increased societal focus, controversial applications, and emerging industries involving DNA.
In order to familiarize the shape and structure of DNA, students could create various types of models (clay, pipe cleaner, etc) and then identify the molecular components. Pictures and videos of molecular processes would promote interest and inquiry in the topic. Sending and receiving messages in a codon-encoded language would provide students an experience that would associate the sequence of DNA and translation to the crafting of words in an overall message. Making typos in the same activity would demonstrate the effects mutations have on proteins (effect words have on messages). For example, changing "there" to "their" would result in negligible change in the overall message of a sentence, but changing "there" to "here" could change a sentence entirely (either by producing a new meaning, like an alternative amino acid, or by making a nonsensical meaning, like an improperly folded protein being produced). Students could also research novel technology and techniques that are being used to further study and apply genetic information in fields such as medicine and engineering.